UMC General Conference 2012: Storm and Stalemate (5-20-12)

“I have no voice. I have no vote. All I have are my tears, and I have shared those generously.” The speaker is Dumbarton’s Rev. Mary Kay Totty. The words are a “tweet” sent by Totty after the failed vote on marriage equality at General Conference.

Adult ed was privileged to hear personal reflections on the Tampa event from Totty and three other Dumbartonian attendees—Doris Warrell, Amy Stapleton, and Mittie Quinn. Here are some of their impressions :

On General Conference 2012 accomplishments
“We were able to maintain shared leadership between clergy and laity”
“We enjoyed full communion with pan-Methodist churches.”
“There was a huge presence of young adults.”
“Some of us participated in a candlelight vigil against violence.”

On restructuring
“It would save each church only about $120 a year”
“I think the whole restructuring thing was a red herring and an attempt to scapegoat agencies.”
“It became very clear to me that sexism and racism are still major issues within the United Methodist Church.”

On divestment
“People  will suffer in the next four years, and we will make money from it.”

On becoming a global church
“We have failed to understand what it means to be a global church”

On activities at the “Tabernacle” (tent across from the convention center):
“We fed people twice a day. We comforted each other. We stood outside and showed our grit. We greeted old friends and welcomed new ones. We  sang. We worshipped. We fed local homeless people who showed up.”
 
For perspectives on where the United Methodist Church can go from here, go to Twitter and look for #dreamUMC.

Youtube: Flashmob at General Conference: You Can't Stop The Beat.
 

--By Ginny Finch